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Warmer days bring countless ways to play in the city with world-class exhibits, live music, food, festivals and more. As summer travel plans are unfolding, Denver truly offers something for everyone. Below are some seasonal highlights, for a full list of events, things to do and hotel deals, check out the VISIT DENVER website.
New in Denver this SeasonFrom exciting new events to new restaurant concepts, there are plenty of unique ways to experience Denver this season. The highly anticipated Casa Bonita is slated to reopen in May after being purchased by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Known as an “eatertainment” venue located just west of downtown Denver, it will open its doors with renowned chef Dana Rodriguez behind the new menu and offerings. The Culinary Creative Group, the group behind Denver favorites such as A5 Steakhouse, Mister Oso, Bar Dough and more, will debut a few new spots this season; including an all-day breakfast spot, Fox & The Hen and a new bar in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, Ay Papi, which will honor Puerto Rican heritage. Developed by the Downtown Denver Partnership, ¡Viva Streets! is a new season-long event that pays homage to Ciclovia’s Latin American roots and allows locals and visitors to experience a car-free way to explore the city over four Sundays from May through August. Participants can enjoy food from Taste of Colorado all while walking, biking, rolling, jogging, scooting, or even dancing through the heart of our city. Denver’s popular RiNo Art District will help close out the season with DENVER WALLS, a street art festival organized by the globally renowned WORLD WIDE WALLS. The event will bring a mural festival and interactive art to the district September 22 – October 3, 2023.
Events and FestivalsFrom early spring through fall, weekends in Denver are filled with arts, entertainment, food and more. To kick off the summer season, the Denver BBQ Festival takes place at Empower Field at Mile High over Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28. Juneteenth Music Festival 2023 is June 17-18 in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood. Denver’s two-day PrideFest from June 24-25 draws visitors from throughout the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. In July, head to South Broadway for three days of tunes at more than a dozen music venues from over 100 live bands at the Underground Music Showcase (July 28-30, 2023). Find more spring and summer festivals and events on the Denver 365 Event Calendar.
Basecamp DenverSpring and Summer are the perfect seasons to play in the mountains then stay in the city. The neighboring Rocky Mountains invites visitors and residents to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and more, all within a two hour drive from Denver. After a full day of outdoor adventures, return to the city and enjoy a meal on an outdoor patio, grab a craft beer along the Denver Beer Trail or explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. For those that prefer to maintain their adventure in an urban environment, the Denver metro area boasts more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways and endless trails for biking, running and urban hikes. Learn more about Denver’s outdoor and urban adventure offerings here.
Music, Arts and CultureThe Mile High City’s thriving arts and culture scene is on display this season with new exhibits, live music and more. Seeing a concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a high point of any summer. The world famous venue is positioned to have a record-setting year with Old Dominion, Zach Bryan, The Avett Brothers, Beck and Phoenix, Vance Joy, Brandi Carlile and many more household names. What’s more, the surrounding park offers gorgeous free hiking around sandstone monoliths. Plus, you can practice mindfulness at Yoga on the Rocks or catch a movie under the stars during the Film on the Rocks series. The Denver Art Museum will reopen its Arts of Africa, Modern and Contemporary Art and Arts of Oceania collections to the public for the first time since campus construction preparations began in 2016. Additional blockbuster events include Bugs at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS), Awful Bigness at the Clyfford Still Museum, The World in Denver: Photography by Robert Weinberg at History Colorado Center and more.ADVERTISEMENTHead to the VISIT DENVER website to learn more about spring and summer in Denver and to take advantage of various offerings, including hotel deals hot for the summer months.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (R) and President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg hold the signed MOU.
The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) has partnered with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) to help build tourism resilience in the region. Both entities forged this partnership with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during CHTA Marketplace being held in Barbados. This groundbreaking partnership aims to strengthen resilience within the tourism industry, fostering a united front against potential crises and challenges that may arise The GTRCMC will provide invaluable communications and research support to the CHTA, further empowering tourism stakeholders across the Caribbean region. “Resilience must be at the core of tourism operations if we are to ensure the viability of this great industry. We are still one of the most vulnerable industries susceptible to many disruptions and so building capacity to plan and respond to these disruptions effectively,” said Co-founder of the GTRCMC and Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett
Together, the GTRCMC and CHTA will work hand in hand to promote sustainable practices, enhance disaster preparedness, and facilitate effective crisis management within the vibrant tourism sector.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that partnership and collaboration are key to survival and having this added support in the form of the GTRCMC will assist the CHTA in our crisis management strategy,” said CHTA President, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Grieg.“By sharing knowledge and expertise, we will build a resilient future that can withstand any hurdle and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the Caribbean’s tourism industry,” said Executive Director of the GTRCMC, Professor Lloyd Waller.

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JAMAICA’S MINISTER OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES ONE MILLION VISITOR ARRIVALS TO DATE FOR 2023

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Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett addressing media at a destination press briefing held at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados on May 10.
At a destination press briefing held at the 41st Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett announced that Jamaica has surpassed one million visitor arrivals year-to-date for 2023, reaching this milestone approximately one month earlier than in 2022.
He also updated attending media about Jamaica’s robust tourism arrivals, investments, and work to build resilience for the industry on island and throughout the world.
“From January through December 2022 Jamaica welcomed 2,478,386 stopover arrivals, a 69.2% increase over 2021 and nearly a full recovery to 2019 highs,” said Minister Bartlett. “As of May 10, we received over a million visitor arrivals to date this year, putting our destination on par with 2019 records. We have seen steady growth in our arrivals and continued investment in the tourism sector, which is a tremendous achievement. Projecting ahead for 2023 through 2025, we expect to attract more than 3.8 million visitors in 2023 and grow to more than 5 million visitors in 2025.”
Minister Bartlett continued, “To keep this growth on an upward trajectory, we continue to build out new air service with new flights this year from Chicago Midway, Denver, St. Louis, Dallas, Kansas City, and London Gatwick. Plus, we are expanding and modernizing Sangster International Airport and have approximately 8,000 new hotel rooms slated for construction over the next two to five years.”
“Further, Jamaica has implemented the Blue Ocean Strategy to develop a more sustainable, diverse tourism product,” concluded Minister Bartlett. “We have also established Global Tourism Resilience Day with the United Nations to take place annually on February 17 with the aim of growing awareness for tourism to build back stronger and take steps to protect itself from future disruptions.”ADVERTISEMENT“The fact that Jamaica’s tourism arrivals continue to rise is a clear testament to the success of our internal strategies, destination marketing initiatives and relationships with key travel partners on island and worldwide,” added Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “We are very grateful to all who have contributed to Jamaica’s success in lifting our tourism product to new heights meeting and soon to exceed 2019 record levels.”
Minister Bartlett also noted that Jamaica is leveraging key pillars for tourism that showcase the destination’s unique culture and heritage while simultaneously addressing the desire from today’s traveler to experience more than just sun, sea and sand. He also emphasized the need to carefully manage the tourism industry through resilience building where it can continually adapt to issues that may arise and to put plans in place to protect it from potential future shocks.
For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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Miral Destinations, the trusted one-stop trade and promotional partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to roll out joint marketing campaigns in 2023. The deal, which was inked at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on May 3, falls under a GCC awareness campaign to promote the highly anticipated opening of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on May 23 and Yas Island’s ‘Kids Go Free’ summer offering.
The agreement was signed by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations and Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer & Managing Director – MENA and India, Wego, and was held in presence of Mohamed Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, with the attendance of representatives from both entities.
“We are pleased to be joining hands once again with Wego to offer guests and travelers best-in-class leisure and entertainment experiences on Yas Island,” said Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations. “As we gear up to unveil the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on May 23, we are delighted to see positive footfall and an increasing interest from visitors at ATM after showcasing a glimpse of the immersive marine experience that awaits guests at Yas Island’s newest attraction. Coupled with our family-friendly summer packages, guests from around the world can look forward to enjoying a wider range of world-class offerings on Yas Island.” 
Commenting on this regards, Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India of Wego, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Miral Destinations to bring the magic of the ‘SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi’ theme park to adventure-seekers worldwide, offering a thrilling experience like no other. Our collaboration reflects our vision of providing travelers with unparalleled experiences and creating unforgettable memories. We look forward to continuing to work with Miral destinations to drive more travelers to their must-see
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to Yas Island’s award-winning entertainment portfolio, which includes world-leading theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Visitors at the Arabian Travel Market witnessed first-hand an immersive experience of the park inside a submarine, bringing guests one step closer to the underwater world of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi which will soon be revealed to the public later this month. ADVERTISEMENTEarlier this month, Miral Destinations announced the return of ‘Kids Go Free’ summer packages during ATM. The offering, which is valid for purchase until September 30, 2023, allows guests and children to stay, play and dine for free as they extend their stay on the island and avail access to all three award-winning theme parks during the summer season. 
For more information on Miral Destinations, please visit: https://miral.ae/destinations/ 
For more information on Wego, please visit: https://www.wego.ae/en

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In celebration of longer days and mild temperatures, North Dakota Tourism invites visitors to kick-off the golf season by playing incredible courses found throughout the state.With more golf courses per capita than any other state, North Dakota offers ample opportunities to shake the winter rust off. With inflation top of mind for summer vacationers according to a recent survey, golf enthusiasts can rest assured knowing North Dakota’s courses won’t break the bank. In fact, the state’s Triple Golf Challenge features three courses that can be enjoyed by golfers of every skill level for less than $200. Here are some of the best courses to play this summer:Bully Pulpit Golf Course – Medora, North DakotaBully Pulpit Golf Course, in the heart of Medora, is one of the most unique golf courses in North Dakota. Named after a term coined by former President Theodore Roosevelt, the course is fully immersed in the badlands with spectacular views across the greens. Toward the end of the 18-hole course, golfers are met with Bully Pulpit’s infamous “Badlands Holes,” carved out of the landscape and featuring a 120-yard drop from the tee to the fairway.
Fox Hills Golf Course – Watford City, North DakotaNamed a runner up in Golf Digest’s ranking of best new public courses for 2023, Fox Hills Golf Course was designed by golf course architect Kevin Norby. The expansive 18-hole course sits on 200 acres of rolling prairie and offers five different tee boxes to give players different views and distances. For a sneak peek of the course, take an online tour featuring drone footage and photography of each hole.
Hawktree Golf Club – Bismarck North DakotaNatural hills and contours, brilliant coloration, plentiful wildlife, and native grasses add to the experience at Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck. The course’s unique black sand bunkers and devilish design were the brainchild of architect Jim Engh. No club goes unused on this picture-perfect course sculpted from land near the Missouri River.
Links of North Dakota – Ray, North DakotaRecently named one of the state’s best courses by GOLF Magazine, the Links of North Dakota is nestled on the bluffs of Lake Sakakawea. It is the area’s only 18-hole championship course with bent grass greens, fairways and tee boxes which allow a true links-style experience. While a round during the summer months is always a good idea, locals find the fall months equally appealing. Book a stay at one of the on-site cabins or secure a spot at the adjacent RV park as part of its stay and play packages.
Other notable courses throughout the state include Grand Forks’ King’s Walk, Minot’s Vardon Golf Club and Fargo’s El Zagel. Ideal for beginner golfers, El Zagel is a nine-hole, par-three course located along the Red River. The course also features FootGolf, which is a cross between soccer and golf.ADVERTISEMENTIf golfing at 9-hole courses is more your pace, test your skills at some unique and challenging rural courses such as Bottineau Country Club Golf Course, Medicine Hole Golf Course in Killdeer or the Rolla Country Club, known to be one of the toughest 9-hole courses in North Dakota.
For more information on North Dakota’s courses and to plan the ultimate golf road trip, visit NDtourism.com/golf.
Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at facebook.com/TravelND, on Instagram at instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/, or on Twitter at twitter.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do all year long.

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Wego and Egyptian Tourism Authority sign a new deal

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Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), recently signed a new partnership with Egyptian Tourism Authority as part of its efforts to boost tourism in the region.This partnership is aimed at promoting Egypt’s rich history, culture, and tourism opportunities. Through this campaign under the theme “In Egypt, your expectations are history”, Wego will work closely with Egyptian Tourism Authority to promote this campaign on all its marketing channels and bring travelers the best of Egypt’s summer and Eid Al Adha celebrations, including festivals, events, and attractions.
Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India, Wego, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Egyptian Tourism Authority. Egypt is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and adventure. Summer and Eid Al Adha are the ideal times to visit Egypt. We have recorded over 24 million searches from MENA to Egypt between 1 January to 27 April 2023 and we expect to see a surge around the Eid Al Adha period.”
Wego will be presenting its users with a comprehensive guide highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, and experiences to enjoy. To reward travelers, a social media competition will run online to give people the chance to visit this must-see destination.
Egypt has a variety of activities and experiences to offer visitors during summer and Eid Al Adha. Travelers can explore ancient monuments as Egypt is home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Aswan.
Amr ElKady, CEO of Egyptian Tourism Authority, commented: “We are excited to partner with Wego for another year. With Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape, and welcoming people, and Wego’s large user base in MENA, we are confident that we can attract more visitors to Egypt and provide them with an unforgettable experience.”ADVERTISEMENTSuzan Mostafa, General director of Tourism Promotion at Egyptian Tourism Authority, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Wego and promote our country through this joint campaign. We will benefit from Wego’s large user base in the MENA region, which will enable us to drive more traffic to Egypt and attract holidaymakers in the summer season.”
During this period, Egypt comes alive with music, dance, and traditional festivities. Moreover, tourists can explore Egypt’s stunning beaches, desert landscapes, all of which make Egypt a unique and unforgettable destination.

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Jamaica and Dubai to Collaborate on Tourism

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(HM Dubai Meeting) Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre) shares lens time with (l-r) Dr. El Hassan Jouaouine, Economic Advisor, Office of the Minister of the Economy, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Mr. Ibrahim Ayoub, Group CEO of ITIC and Invest Tourism Ltd.; Mr. Delano Seiveright, Senior Strategist, Ministry of Tourism; H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy, UAE; Mr. Gerald Lawless, Partner ITIC, Invest Tourism Ltd. and World Travel and Tourism Council Ambassador and Mr. Ammar Sajwani, Director of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, UAE. The officials met recently at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, which has oversight for tourism in the UAE, where they discussed plans to facilitate tourism cooperation between Jamaica and Dubai.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that plans are afoot to facilitate tourism cooperation between Jamaica and Dubai following a meeting with H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade and Industry in the Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
They met recently at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, which has oversight for tourism in the UAE, where they discussed areas for cooperation in tourism that will redound to the benefit of both countries and their citizens.
Minister Bartlett outlined that: “We concluded that Jamaica and Dubai can collaborate in tourism. Dubai will support us in terms of MICE market development, logistics and technology and we will reciprocate in terms of resilience and sustainability, the building out of human capital programmes, product development and marketing.”
In expressing his enthusiasm at the possibilities for collaboration in cruise tourism, Minister Bartlett noted that “Dubai Ports, one of the largest in the world with enormous capacity, is looking for partnerships across the world and Jamaica is a good place to start.”
A key matter that was also explored during the meeting was the possibility of establishing an outpost of the Jamaica-based Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) in the UAE. This would mark the centre’s latest satellite location, adding to its offices in countries including Kenya, Jordan and Canada.ADVERTISEMENTThe tourism minister indicated that further discussions will be held to formalise these arrangements through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) when both countries convene alongside other nations at COP 28 this November.

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‘Aquicito’ is the new rural tourism guide developed by Quito Turismo, a collection of the tourist attractions that the Metropolitan District’s 33 rural parishes have to offer. The guide includes information about festivals, traditions, outdoor activities, experiences, tours, cultural events, lists of food stores and establishments, accommodation and tourist services. Designed for audiences of all ages, the guide covers an extremely broad range of interests where visitors can find options for enjoying their free time in Quito.
Cristina Rivadeneira, General Manager of Quito Turismo, said that promoting tourism in rural areas helps to strengthen the sources of income of low-income parishes, creating local jobs and diversifying the local economy. It is also a firm commitment to preserving local culture, history and traditions, offering new experiences to visitors and positively impacting communities’ education, health and infrastructure.
The guide, which will be continually updated, is available in digital format at visitquito.ec and in the Visit Quito app. There is an interactive map in ‘Aquicit’ with around a thousand rural tourist establishments; a guide to outdoor activities; and tourist routes such as ‘Tulipe – Rumisitana’, ‘Exploring the Cloud Forest’, ‘El Quinche – Guayllabamba’, ‘Hiking in Pahuma’, ‘Between Lagoons and Paramos’, ‘Middle of the World’, ‘Hidden Route’, ‘Culuncos de Yunguilla’, ‘Maquipucuna’ and more.
Quito Turismo showcases the fantastic destinations and the variety of activities on offer in the city’s surrounding area through this living document that is open to the public.  It is an invitation to enjoy all the possibilities that the parishes have to offer: culture, nature, adventure, cuisine, relaxation and sports.
More information about Aquicito – Quito Rural Tourism Guide: aquicito/ADVERTISEMENT

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